Wendy’s lettuce is believed to be the source of a multi-state E. coli outbreak that’s left dozens sick across four states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania reported having consumed sandwiches with romaine lettuce at the fast food chain before falling ill, according to a notice published by the agency Friday.
Wendy’s, as a result, “is taking the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region,” with a different romaine lettuce already used in its salads.
Wendy’s on Friday released a statement about the ordeal, noting it is “fully cooperating with public health authorities” — as confirmed by the CDC — in the investigation into the source of the outbreak.
“While the CDC has not yet confirmed a specific food as the source of that outbreak, we are taking the precaution of removing the sandwich lettuce from restaurants in that region. … As a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality,” said the company.
Noting that the chain “is fully cooperating with the investigation,” the CDC said it is looking into the source of the outbreak and whether the lettuce in question has been served or sold elsewhere.
At least 37 people have fallen ill, 10 of whom have been hospitalized, as a result of the current outbreak that has also infected one person in Indiana, NPR reported Saturday.
No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.
The agency advised people to contact a doctor immediately if they are experiencing such symptoms as diarrhea and a fever of more than 102 degrees, diarrhea that doesn’t appear to be improving after more than three days, bloody diarrhea, “so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down,” as well as signs of dehydration.
Those who have such symptoms are asked to write down everything they ate in the week before infection and tell the local or state health department about their infection.
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